Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary in the U.S.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in the U.S. earn a median of $122,890 a year ($59.08 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,150 workers.
Pay ranges from $98,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,310 for the top 10%. The average (mean) salary is $121,380, close to the median.
Pay range for nuclear power reactor operators in the U.S.
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $98,640 | $47.42 |
| 25th percentile | $109,440 | $52.61 |
| Median | $122,890 | $59.08 |
| 75th percentile | $130,490 | $62.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $149,310 | $71.78 |
| Average (mean) | $121,380 | $58.36 |
Half of nuclear power reactor operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,240.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,120.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,726.54 |
| Weekly | $2,363.27 |
| Hourly | $59.08 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary by state
| State | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $129,580 | 230 |
| Illinois | $123,980 | 410 |
| Alabama | $119,000 | 360 |
| South Carolina | $118,620 | 320 |
| Nebraska | $108,650 | 50 |
Best-paying metro areas for nuclear power reactor operators
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $112,860 | n/a |
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $60,020 | $28.86 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $96,710 | $46.50 |
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 | $49.06 |
| Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $78,620 | $37.80 |
| Gas Plant Operator | $87,820 | $42.22 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $78,120 | $37.56 |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | $62,470 | $30.03 |
| Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $106,730 | $51.31 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $44,650 | $21.47 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $74,450 | $35.79 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $48,570 | $23.35 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $53,750 | $25.84 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $43,220 | $20.78 |
| Machinist | $58,750 | $28.24 |
More: Production Occupations
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-8011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nuclear power reactor operator make in the U.S.?
The median salary for nuclear power reactor operators in the U.S. is $122,890 a year, or $59.08 an hour. Pay ranges from $98,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,310 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid nuclear power reactor operators make in the U.S.?
The top 10% of nuclear power reactor operators in the U.S. earn at least $149,310 a year. The top 25% earn $130,490 or more.
What is the starting pay for nuclear power reactor operators in the U.S.?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $98,640 a year, and a quarter of nuclear power reactor operators earn $109,440 or less.
How many nuclear power reactor operators work in the U.S.?
About 5,150 nuclear power reactor operators are employed in the U.S., not counting the self-employed.